Institutionalisation and schizophrenia in Japan: Social environments and negative symptoms

Abstract

BackgroundThe number of psychiatric beds per capita in Japan is the highest in the world, and a replication of earlier British research is needed to identify possible means of improving the mental health system.AimsTo describe the current situation of psychiatric hospitals in Japan and to examine the relationship between negative symptoms of schizophrenia and social environments.MethodIn-patients with schizophrenia were randomly selected from 139 hospitals. Data were obtained for 2758 participants using several scales, including the Manchester Scale and social environment scales.ResultsNegative symptom scales showed a significant correlation with under stimulating social environments in hospitals.ConclusionsThis study confirms the results from the UK and provides evidence for the importance of community-based care and for providing more-stimulating rehabilitation environments.